Transpositions - A Proposition for the 21st Century Library

BACKGROUND This research explores embodiment in sculpture with relation to the mirror box devised by neurologist V.S.Ramachandran, which is used clinically to treat the pain experienced by people with phantom limbs. The mirror box is similar to a sculptural object and uses artificial visual feedback to make the brain view the reflection of the healthy limb in the visual plane of the missing limb - in effect 'tricking' the brain into believing the missing limb is moving. SIGNIFICANCE This work explores embodied cognition and re-examines sculptural encounters as neurocognitive experiences. If mirror boxes are known to alter clinical and neural responses and share formal relationships then how can this be explored with sculptural objects? The work occupied three large tables and consisted of three mirrored cubicles on one side, table tennis down the narrow mirrored centre and a large open mirrored cubicle designed for small group discussion. CONTRIBUTION Participants of the work explored the possibilities for perception the work presented. Primarily they found the work offered new ways to interact in familiar but unusual spatial experiences. Participants experimented with multiple reflections of the table tennis ball and the upper body in the mirrors. Future research could be done with configurations of other altered and mirror lined objects.